The Gibeonites: The Impact of Their Deceit on Their People
Moses had passed away, and Joshua succeeded him as the leader of Israel. God gave both Moses and Joshua clear and specific instructions to completely destroy the Canaanite cities. This command was not because He enjoyed bloodshed but to protect the Israelites from the same evils that had led to the destruction of those nations (Leviticus 18:24–25).
Unfortunately, we later see what God was trying to prevent unfold in Israel’s history. The Israelites became as corrupt and sinful as the nations they were meant to destroy. They engaged in practices like same sex relations and even acts as heinous as the rape of men by men, the very sins that led to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Judges 19:22–30).
Among the Canaanite groups Joshua and the Israelites were commanded to destroy were the Gibeonites. However, the Gibeonites had an unusual discernment that fighting Israel would only lead to disaster, so they secured their safety through deception. They disguised themselves as travelers from a distant land and lied to Joshua and the Israelite leaders about their identity.
Ironically, as we read further, we see that the Gibeonites were candidates for God’s mercy. Their approach to seeking a treaty reveals that God had not hardened their hearts. (Joshua 11:18-20). Had they simply approached Joshua with humility, they might have secured their safety without condemning their entire race to servitude.
For example, I imagine a scenario where the Gibeonites simply approach Joshua for mercy, and if Joshua refuses them, saying that God has commanded their destruction, God appears to Joshua and tells him to spare the people of Gibeon because He has had mercy on them!
I often say that no one who places themselves at the mercy of God ever lives to regret it. This truth aligns with John 6:44: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them. ” The Gibeonites were drawn toward mercy, but their reliance on deceit cost them dearly. After their deception was uncovered, Joshua cursed them, declaring: “May you be cursed! From now on you will always be servants who cut wood and carry water for the house of my God” (Joshua 9:23).
In their attempt to save themselves, they exchanged freedom for servitude. Yet their story reminds us of God’s unfailing mercy, even to those undeserving of His mercy.
Just as we go to the Father through Jesus Christ and are grafted into the family of God as His children, not as slaves, the Gibeonites could have been grafted in through honest and honourable means.
God had already determined to save them and show them mercy (Joshua 11:18–20). I believe that even though they were enemies, they might not have been as corrupt as the other nations, they were people concerned about their families’ welfare, and God saw this. A people who are not too proud to acknowledge God’s power, His strength, and His supremacy are certainly not beyond redemption.
I also believe that after the Israelites went to battle for them in Joshua 10, the Gibeonites must have realised their folly. If, despite their deception, they were forgiven and defended, how much more would the Israelites have done for them if the alliance had been formed honestly? They achieved their goal of safety, but it came at the cost of their freedom.
So, you may get the job, the contract, the spouse, the influence, or the child, but at what cost? I have heard horrifying stories of people sacrificing their loved ones, wives, children, on the altar of the devil for money, fame and children. Is it really worth it?
How much more honourable it would be if we committed ourselves to a life of transparency, guided by the Word of God, so that when we find ourselves in a difficult situation, we do not resort to dishonesty or attempt to squirm out of it.
Saul’s Sin and the Consequences for Seven of His Sons
You know, the Gibeonites became so special to God that when King Saul, in his zeal and desire to please the people, killed them, the consequences of his actions far outlived him. The repercussions lingered over his sons and the nation of Israel until the time of David.
In 2 Samuel 21, we learn of a famine that plagued the land for three years. This dire situation led David to seek God’s counsel about the cause of the famine. God revealed, “The famine has come because Saul and his family are guilty of murdering the Gibeonites.”
The consequences of Saul’s actions were devastating. The solution to end the famine required appeasing the Gibeonites by handing over SEVEN of SAUL’S SONS to be EXECUTED on the mountain of the Lord, innocent men killed for the sin of their father.
At the time of his actions, Saul likely did not consider or weigh the long-term implications of his choices, the far-reaching consequences on his family and children.
Deception only pays temporarily; it never offers lasting solutions. The end does not always justify the means. Dishonesty, no matter the reason, might provide a momentary escape but will never stand as a permanent resolution to the challenges we face.
Once again, as I mentioned yesterday, live your life mindfully. Be aware of the choices you make and the consequences that follow.
Remember, you should not suffer for the sins of your parents. If you do, it might be because you don’t understand what is rightfully yours to claim and enforce.
It’s like receiving a book as a gift, unaware that a check for $10,000 is tucked inside. Weeks later, you find yourself struggling financially, unaware of the funds waiting for you. It’s not until you open that book and see what you have that you realize the resources you’ve been missing out on. Without doing so, you might live in lack for much longer than you need to.
It’s also like a child who unexpectedly loses his wealthy father. Unknown to him, his father has left everything he owned to him in his will. But until that will is read and executed, the child might live as though he has nothing, perhaps even thinking his father as callous.
It is the Truth you know that shall set you free.
Open YOUR BIBLE!
